VANDERBIJLPARK. – The Student Campus Council (SCC) of the North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with the Community Stakeholder Engagement (CSE) Council, has launched a Soup Drive to provide support to students during exams, helping them stay nourished and healthy despite challenges such as load shedding and economic pressures.
Carrying the slogan “We are the SCC that cares,” the initiative is sponsored by Student Life and the Finance Department and will continue until the end of exams. To date, the Soup Drive has already served over 400 students.
Sindisa Xakushe, the spokesperson for SCC, emphasises the importance of keeping students motivated to study, particularly those who are facing financial constraints during these cold winter days. “This has been a tough year for many students. Not everyone received NSFAS funding, and many are writing exams on empty stomachs,” explains Xakushe.
Xakushe encourages other campuses and student sub-structures to follow their example and give back to their students.
Dr. Sean McCallaghan, director for Student Life, highlights the significance of this initiative, which aligns with the university’s ethos of care.
“This effort aims to support students during their exams. We understand that some may lack the necessary funds to provide themselves with proper nutrition.
“Therefore, we are committed to providing assistance in this area to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed,” he adds.
Prof. Linda Du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations, expresses her appreciation for the positive impact of the Soup Drive on students.
She states: “It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in people’s lives. The Soup Drive exemplifies how people can come together to support each other during challenging times.
“Let us draw inspiration from the SCC’s initiative and contribute to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
“At NWU, we believe that joining the university means joining a family, and this Soup Drive reaffirms our commitment to caring for one another.”
